VMD to launch new adverse event reporting service
Vets should continue reporting to manufacturers before the service launches.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is to launch its new service for reporting adverse events associated with animal medicines.
A new digital service will go live on 20 May 2026, replacing the previous reporting tool, which is currently suspended.
The tool will enable veterinary professionals, Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) and animal owners to report adverse events directly to the VMD. This could include unexpected or harmful reactions in animals, or cases where the medicine does not work as expected.
It now provides users with additional guidance for creating a high-quality report. It is hoped that this will give the VMD more details from the outset.
The service will also be integrated with existing pharmacovigilance processes, which the VMD says will contribute to more efficient and comprehensive safety oversight.
It will initially be released as a beta version, through which users can provide feedback. This feedback will inform future system improvements.
Before the new portal is launched, veterinary professionals can continue reporting adverse events to the manufacturer of the medication. This company will then have a legal responsibility to share this report with the VMD within 30 days.
This will remain an option once the adverse event reporting portal has been launched.
To report adverse events relating to human medicine or medicine not approved for use in animals, users should email adverse.events@vmd.gov.uk to request a form.
Adverse event reporting is considered important to the VMD, helping the department work with medicine manufacturers to identify and respond to potential safety concerns. The VMD says that every report it receives improves its understanding of how medicines are performing in practice.
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Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
